Watson Would Like Explanation

A day after he was run over by Tampa Bay Devil Ray catcher John Flaherty while covering first base, Angel pitcher Allen Watson was still looking for an explanation.

“It’s not like I want to punch him,” Watson said. “I just want to ask him about it.”

The collision came in a game marked by a war of words between the teams--with a few hit batters tossed in.

Watson’s teammates made up a T-shirt with some of his comments from Friday (“I’ll be ready for him next time”) and hung it by his locker.

Angel catcher Phil Nevin had a run-in with Devil Ray pitcher Dan Carlson during Friday’s game. Carlson and pitcher Wilson Alvarez both hit two batters in the first three innings. Watson later hit Kevin Stocker.

After Nevin had a fly-ball out in the fourth, he went over the mound on his way back to the dugout, brushed Carlson’s elbow and had a choice word or two.

“It probably wasn’t the smartest thing,” Nevin said. “But it was a reaction.

“They hit me twice last week and then they hit four guys yesterday.”

*

Tim Salmon, suffering from a strained ligament in his left foot, swam in the pool Saturday and could begin working out on an exercise bicycle.

He was fitted with orthopedic cleats Wednesday, which will take the pressure off his feet. His problems with the Achilles’ tendon can also be traced to the pressure he puts on his feet running, Angel trainer Ned Bergert said.

Salmon will be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum and orthopedic foot specialist Dr. Phil Kwong Monday morning.

*

Todd Greene went six for six with two home runs and two doubles and Randy Velarde went three for six with a homer and a double Friday in an extended-spring game. Velarde also fielded four ground balls at second base. . . . Troy Percival, who had a tender right elbow after pitching Wednesday, said he was available for Saturday’s game. . . . Sandy Koufax on spending time with Angel pitcher Chuck Finley on Friday: “I found out that if I talk to enough guys with great arms, I start to look smart.”

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ JACK McDOWELL (1-2, 4.18 ERA)

vs.

DEVIL RAYS’ DENNIS SPRINGER (1-2, 4.43 ERA)

Tropicana Field, 5 p.m. PDT

TV--ESPN. Radio--KRLA (1110), XPRS (1090).

* Update--Springer was 14-15 the last two seasons for the Angels. Now he turns his knuckleball on them. “Having played with them won’t give me any advantage,” Springer said. “It’s a knuckleball.”